A few weeks ago, I had the incredible opportunity to be a guest speaker at SD HistCon Second Front 2024, where I delivered a talk about the fascinating journey of creating a historical role-playing game. It was a thrilling experience to share my insights and experiences with an enthusiastic audience.

During the session, I talked about the intricate process of designing historical role-playing games, using my own game, "La Desbandá 1937", as a case study. The game is set during the Spanish Civil War and aims to offer players a compelling narrative experience grounded in historical events.

In my talk, I covered various aspects of game design, including:

• Research: The foundational step of any historical game, where thorough research ensures authenticity and depth. For "La Desbandá 1937", this involved studying numerous historical accounts, testimonies, and archival materials to accurately depict the events and atmosphere of the time.
• Story Development: Crafting a narrative that not only engages players but also respects historical facts. I discussed how to balance creativity with accuracy, ensuring that the game's storyline is both captivating and educational.
• Gameplay Mechanics: Integrating historical elements into gameplay in a way that enhances the player's experience. This includes designing characters, settings, and events that reflect the period's realities.
• Challenges and Solutions: The hurdles faced during the development process and how they were overcome. From dealing with sensitive historical topics to ensuring player engagement, I shared strategies to navigate these complexities.

For those who couldn't attend the event, I'm excited to share that the entire presentation is available on YouTube. You can watch it here: Discover the process of designing historical role-playing games with La Desbandá 1937. The video dives deep into the design process, from initial research to implementation in real gameplay, providing a comprehensive look at creating role-playing games based on historical events.

I hope you find the video insightful and inspiring. If you're interested in the intersection of history and gaming, or if you're a game designer looking to explore historical narratives, this presentation will offer valuable perspectives and practical tips.

Thank you for your interest, and happy gaming!